Is Richmond, RI Tap Water Safe to Drink?
Graded C- — but Copper was detected above EPA limits. Here's what's in the water and how to remove it. What to do next ↓
55.7/100
waterverge.com Richmond, RI — Water Quality Report
Richmond's drinking water received a grade of C- (55.7 out of 100), indicating poor water quality. The city's 4 water systems serve approximately 2,946 residents using groundwater.
Lead levels were measured at 0.3 ppb (90th percentile), well within EPA limits. This system has not yet been tested for PFAS under the EPA UCMR 5 program.
The system has 48 violations on record, including 5 health-based violations. 36 remain unresolved.
What to know about Richmond's water
Richmond ranks #27 out of 35 cities in Rhode Island for water quality, placing it below average in the state.
Richmond relies on groundwater, which is generally less vulnerable to surface contamination but can be affected by naturally occurring minerals like arsenic and nitrate, as well as agricultural and industrial runoff.
As a small community water system, Richmond may have fewer resources for advanced treatment technologies and infrastructure upgrades compared to larger utilities.
The system has seen 14 violations in the past five years, suggesting a pattern of compliance challenges that residents should monitor closely.
Water quality score
See methodology →Is Richmond, RI water safe to drink?
Richmond's drinking water has significant quality concerns based on EPA testing data. With a grade of C- (55.7/100), the system has issues across multiple categories. A water filter is recommended for all residents. The city's 4 water systems serve approximately 2,946 residents using groundwater (wells).
Recent water quality updates for Richmond
A timeline of significant water quality events, violations, and data updates.
Latest EPA compliance and testing data incorporated into Richmond's water quality assessment. Grade: C- (55.7/100).
Contaminants: Consumer Confidence Rule.
Contaminants: Lead and Copper Rule.
Contaminants: Lead and Copper Rule, Consumer Confidence Rule.
Key contaminant findings
Based on the most recent EPA sampling data for Richmond's water supply.
Well within EPA limits.
Exceeds EPA action level. Copper can leach from household plumbing — flush taps for 30 seconds before drinking.
Violation history
Richmond's water system has 48 total violations on record, including 5 health-based violations. 36 remain unresolved. 14 violations were issued in the last 5 years.
Where does Richmond's water come from?
Richmond's drinking water comes from groundwater (wells), supplied by 4 water systems serving approximately 2,946 people. Groundwater is generally less susceptible to surface contamination but can contain naturally occurring contaminants like arsenic, radon, and nitrate. Nearby water bodies include Nooseneck River (river), Carr River (river), Queen R (river), Usquepaug River (river), Pawcatuck River (river).
What Richmond residents can do
Recommended: NSF-certified water filter. This addresses the specific contaminants found in Richmond's water.
Your water utility is required to publish an annual Consumer Confidence Report (CCR) with detailed testing results. Ask for the latest copy or check your utility's website.
Data: EPA SDWIS, UCMR 5 (PFAS), FEMA, NOAA. Last updated May 2026.
Top contaminants to know
View all ↓Violation summary
Violations & advisories
Recommended water filters
Based on contaminants detected in Richmond's water supply, we recommend the following filter types.
Full contaminants report
| Contaminant | Detected Level | EPA Limit | Unit | Category | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Lead (90th percentile) LeadHeavy Metal A toxic heavy metal that can leach into drinking water from older pipes, solder, and fixtures. No amount of lead in water is considered safe. Health EffectsBrain and nervous system damage in children, kidney damage, high blood pressure, and reproductive problems in adults. EPA Limit15 ppb action level Common SourcesCorrosion of lead pipes, lead solder, brass faucets, and household plumbing. | 0.3 | 15 | ppb | Inorganic | Safe |
| Copper (90th percentile) CopperInorganic A metal that enters drinking water mainly through corrosion of copper plumbing. Small amounts are essential for health, but excess levels are harmful. Health EffectsGastrointestinal distress (nausea, vomiting, diarrhea) at short-term high levels; liver and kidney damage from long-term exposure. EPA Limit1.3 mg/L action level Common SourcesCorrosion of copper household plumbing, erosion of natural deposits. | 1.38 | 1.3 | mg/L | Inorganic | Over Limit |
Lead level trend (90th percentile)
Copper level trend (90th percentile)
See how Richmond compares by contaminant
Explore where Richmond ranks among all Rhode Island cities for specific contaminants.
Water source & infrastructure
Where Richmond's water comes from
Richmond's drinking water is drawn from underground aquifers through wells.
Groundwater is naturally filtered through rock and soil layers, generally requiring less treatment than surface water. However, it can contain naturally occurring contaminants like arsenic, radon, and minerals.
Agricultural activity, septic systems, and industrial operations near well fields can introduce nitrates, pesticides, and volatile organic compounds.
The system is operated by local government ownership and serves approximately 2,946 people through 4 water systems.
Water bodies near Richmond
Richmond is located near 5 notable water bodies. These water bodies contribute to the regional watershed and may indirectly affect groundwater quality.
Water systems serving Richmond
| System Name | PWSID | Population | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| RICHMOND, TOWN OF | RI1000040 | 2,671 | GW |
| RICHMOND RIDGE DEVELOPMENT | RI2980480 | 172 | GW |
| SHANNOCK WATER DISTRICT | RI1647529 | 75 | GW |
| ROCKVILLE MILL HOPKINTON, LLC | RI2980447 | 28 | GW |
How Richmond compares
Full Rhode Island rankings →Richmond's score of 55.7/100 is below the average of 76/100 among major Rhode Island cities. It outscores 1 of 10 nearby cities. 9 of 10 nearby cities score higher.
Nearby cities
View Rhode Island rankings →About Richmond, RI
Wikipedia →Wyoming is a village and census-designated place on the Wood River in southern Rhode Island, United States, primarily in the town of Richmond, but extending north across the river into the town of Hopkinton. The population was 270 at the 2010 census. It is the site of the Wyoming Village Historic District and a post office, assigned ZIP code 02898.
Learn more about your water
Guides and resources related to Richmond's water quality findings.
Explore water quality across Washington
Frequently asked questions
Is Richmond, RI tap water safe to drink?
Richmond's water quality earned a grade of C- (55.7/100). Significant issues have been found. A water filter is strongly recommended. The city ranks #27 out of 35 cities tested in Rhode Island.
What contaminants are in Richmond's water?
Lead was measured at 0.3 ppb (90th percentile). 48 violations are on record.
How is Richmond's water quality grade calculated?
The grade is based on four factors: violation history (40%), lead and copper levels (25%), PFAS contamination (25%), and regulatory compliance (10%). The score is also adjusted based on how complete the available data is. See our methodology page for full details.
Do I need a water filter in Richmond?
Based on current data, basic filtration should suffice for additional peace of mind.
Where does Richmond's water come from?
Richmond's water is sourced from Groundwater. The city has 4 water systems serving approximately 2,946 residents.
What health violations has Richmond's water system had?
Richmond has 5 health-based violations on record. The most recent violation was recorded in October 2025. Health-based violations mean the water exceeded EPA maximum contaminant levels (MCLs) for a regulated substance. 36 violations remain unresolved.
Is Richmond's groundwater at risk of contamination?
Richmond uses groundwater, which can be affected by naturally occurring contaminants like arsenic, radon, and nitrate, as well as agricultural runoff and industrial activity. The system has 48 violations on record that may relate to groundwater quality. Groundwater systems are generally less susceptible to surface contamination but should be monitored for emerging contaminants like PFAS.
How does Richmond's water compare to other cities?
Richmond ranks #27 out of 35 cities in Rhode Island (better than 23% of state cities) and #12514 out of 15744 cities nationally (21th percentile). The grade of C- reflects the combined assessment of violation history, lead and copper levels, PFAS contamination, and regulatory compliance.